Yankees Re-Sign Tim Hill to One-Year DeaL
The Yankees have re-signed left-handed pitcher Tim Hill to a one-year, $2.85MM contract, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Hill, represented by Paragon Sports International, will earn $2.5MM in 2025 and has a $350K buyout on a $3MM club option for 2026.
Hill, 34, began the 2024 season with the White Sox but was released in June after posting a 5.07 ERA in 23 innings. He revitalized his season after joining the Yankees, delivering a stellar 2.05 ERA in 48 innings from mid-June through the end of the season. Hill also pitched 8 1/3 innings in the postseason, allowing just one run during that span.
Known for his sidearm delivery and sinker, Hill relies heavily on ground balls, with 68.2% of batted balls being grounders. However, his strikeout rate of 10.7% was the second-lowest among pitchers who threw at least 40 innings in 2024. Hill’s 88.7% contact rate was the highest in the league, and his swinging-strike rate of 5.7% was the lowest. Despite not generating many strikeouts, his high ground-ball rate and solid 6.5% walk rate (5.2% with the Yankees) helped minimize damage.
Hill gave up plenty of hits in 2024, with opponents batting .290 against him and averaging 10.3 hits per nine innings. However, most of those hits were singles, as he allowed just nine extra-base hits (seven doubles, two homers) in 291 batters faced. He was more effective against left-handed hitters than righties, with lefties hitting .273/.321/.322 and righties hitting .303/.352/.352. Hill’s ability to induce grounders and generate double plays (eight in total, ranking him among the top 11 MLB relievers) helped him manage the high contact rate.
Before signing Hill, the Yankees did not have a left-handed reliever on their roster, and now he joins a bullpen that includes trade acquisition Devin Williams, along with Luke Weaver, Ian Hamilton, Fernando Cruz, Mark Leiter Jr., and JT Brubaker. Jonathan Loaisiga, recovering from a UCL procedure, may join the bullpen later, but he could start the season on the 60-day injured list.
The Yankees’ bullpen may further evolve if they trade Marcus Stroman, who has been on the trading block since the offseason. If Stroman is dealt, the Yankees’ rotation would decrease to five starters, potentially freeing up funds to add another left-handed reliever or an infielder.
The addition of Hill’s contract increases the Yankees’ projected payroll to over $285MM, pushing them into the top luxury tax tier. Hill’s contract will add a $3.135MM tax hit due to the 110% tax on his $2.85MM AAV. This brings the total cost of re-signing Hill to nearly $6MM. With a current luxury tax bill exceeding $305MM, a trade of Stroman could help reduce the Yankees’ tax obligations, though they will still face a significant tax penalty.
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